The 18 Best Ice Cream Shops in Dallas

Gelato Spaghetti & Meatballs, anyone?

True ice cream lovers know that the sweet, decadent, velvety smooth treat knows no season, but we’d be crazy to not acknowledge that summer is the best time to enjoy a cup or cone. And because we’re in a part of the country that’s often only a degree or two cooler than high noon in Hell in mid-August, we’re fortunate to have more than our fair share of frozen concoction masters around Dallas-Fort Worth. From traditional, hand-scooped ice cream and swirly soft serve to gelato and frozen yogurt, if you want to take your tongue on a chilly vacation we’ve got you covered. Read on for 18 of the best spots in town to scream for you-know-what.

Commissary
Commissary

Downtown Dallas
In the heart of Downtown Dallas, this café, market, bakery, and espresso bar may offer a wide variety of food and beverage options, but they do everything extremely well. Case in point: their handspun gelato. Available in the freshest seasonal flavors, such as blood orange, caramelized pineapple, and lemon raspberry, Commissary gelato is a tasty way to beat the heat while exploring the urban jungle.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering, call 214-827-2927 for pickup, or order takeout/delivery via GrubHub.

Las Colinas
Walking into Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats may feel like a moment out of a Willy Wonka movie with all the decadent deliciousness at every turn, but T’Juanna Winters’ ice creams are a superstar addition to her lineup. Inspired by her candy barks, flavors change weekly at her Las Colinas location with options such as Sweet ’n Salty Almond, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Cookies & Cream. They’re available in 16-ounce containers and single-serve 4-ounce jars. You know, if you don’t want anyone seeing you scarf down an entire pint.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Uptown
Step into the first Dallas location of this NYC-based scoop shop from Van Leeuwen brothers Pete and Ben and Laura O’Neill to discover the difference of sweet treats made with the highest quality ingredients. Start with their exclusive-to-Dallas flavor, Strawberry Margarita, made with Ego Tequila for a little extra kick. Unusual flavors can also be found with specials ranging from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese to Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll. And speaking of vegan, they have multiple crave-worthy flavors for the non-dairy set.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering or order pints to be shipped right to your door.

The Dolly Llama
The Dolly Llama

Uptown
The wildly popular California mini-chain known for its bubble waffles and ice cream combos has recently debuted its first-ever location outside the Golden State. At the Uptown Dallas location, you’ll find all the greatest hits, dominated by their unique bubble waffles formed into a cone and filled with your choice of multiple ice cream flavors (Ultimate Cookie Monster, Horchata, and a quartet of vegan options among them). Ice cream can also be mixed into shakes, smashed between two waffles for a sandwich, or served in a boring ol’ cup.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Eataly Dallas
Eataly Dallas

NorthPark Center
Eataly Dallas is an all-things-Italian Utopia, so it should come as zero surprise that the artisans behind the scenes know how to whip up a kick-ass gelato. Available at Il Gelato, a designated walk-up counter in the market (or as a tableside dessert extravaganza from the gelato cart at the Terra restaurant upstairs), Eataly gelato wows with every beautifully simple bite. At Il Gelato, indulge in a coppe, the Italian version of a sundae with toppings including Fabbri Amarena cherries, Venchi chocolate, and candied Texas pecans. Or have them scoop it into three sizes of cones, or with a shot of hot espresso in an affogato.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Pure Milk & Honey
Pure Milk & Honey

Mockingbird Station
Certified organic Texas milk and pure raw honey from Bonton Farms are the two main ingredients in every lick of decadent soft serve from this Mockingbird Station treat shop. Start with a taste of the anything-but-basic Pure Milk & Honey, then venture on to Honey Lavender, non-dairy Dark Chocolate, or Butter Pecan. You can get any of the flavors in a waffle cone (the chocolate waffle cone is one of the best we’ve ever tasted), and add toppings and sauces to build elaborate sundaes or your own unique frozen creation.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Legacy Hall
Legacy Hall

Plano
Step up to the Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream Co. counter inside Legacy Hall and experience Chef Julien Eelsen’s creations utilizing vanilla from the Bourbon Islands—as well as adults-only creations utilizing actual whiskey and other spirits. Shakes are a great vehicle for booze and ice cream, so make sure to check out a rum-spiked Piña Colada or a vodka-enhanced Blueberry Cheesecake, as well as numerous other options. Macaron ice cream sandwiches are also a fantastic way to get a taste of Eelsen’s childhood in Paris.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Paciugo Gelato Caffè
Paciugo Gelato Caffè

Multiple locations
One of Dallas’ longest-running gelato operations continues to expand its presence across North Texas and around the nation. In addition to their vast arsenal of tempting flavors, the creative minds at Paciugo continue to innovate with eye-catching treats such as their magical Paciunicorn and the bizarrely wonderful Gelato Spaghetti & Meatballs. Yes, you read that correctly, but never fear, this is a sweet version of the dinnertime staple made with strands of gelato topped with strawberry coulis and Ferrero Rocher “meatballs.”
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Botolino Gelato Artigianale
Botolino Gelato Artigianale

Lowest Greenville & North Dallas
Trained by gelato masters in Italy, Carlo “Botolo” Gattini’s masterful touch brings deeply rooted traditions to every small batch of decadent bliss. Each ingredient must be perfect to make it into one of his creations, whether that means procuring items from local Texas farms or flying something in from across the world. You won’t find any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives here (which is why his pistachio isn’t neon green, for instance). Top choices include berries and lavender, mascarpone and figs, and white coffee (now that’s some wizardry). Consider taking home a cake, as they’re among the most gorgeous anywhere in the world.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating and specially packaged take-out.

MELT Ice Creams Magnolia
MELT Ice Creams Magnolia

The hardest decision you’ll have to make once inside MELT is whether to indulge in an Always Flavor or a Sometimes Flavor. (Our recommendation? Never let a “sometime” pass you by, especially if it’s of the pineapple upside-down cake, peanut butter explosion, or coconut sorbet variety). They build sundaes with three scoops, so come hungry, or mark your calendar for Taco Tuesday (also known as Two-Napkin Tuesday) when any two flavors arrive sandwiched in a crispy cone shell and finished with salted caramel and chocolate sauces.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering, order take-out online, or get nationwide shipping via Goldbelly.
 

Devious Desserts & Creamery, LLC
Devious Desserts & Creamery, LLC

Carrollton
Everything, and we do mean everything, is made from scratch in chef Meriel Young’s pastry kitchen and as you’ve probably guessed by the name, they’re all deviously decadent. Standard flavors include salted chocolate, cafe Cubano, Vietnamese cinnamon, and ube (Japanese purple yam), as well as specials such as Lakewood Temptress Imperial Stout ice cream, plopped into a fresh waffle bowl and smothered in salty bacon and bourbon caramel sauce. Create your own devilish concoction by pairing ice cream flavors with toppings ranging from “boujee” chocolate chip and old-timey molasses cookies to roasted sweet potato pie and hummingbird cake.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering or get delivery via DoorDash.

Cow Tipping Creamery - Fort Worth
Cow Tipping Creamery - Fort Worth

Frisco & Fort Worth
It’s all about soft serve at this Austin-born ice cream shop. 32 unique toppings and sauces (most of which are homemade) let customers showcase their culinary creativity with multi-layered sundae stackers spanning options that include brown butter Ritz cracker crumbs and peanut butter blondie bar chunks. Clever names abound for predetermined creations, too. (Reese’s Witha-Spoon, anyone?) Chocolate and vanilla ice cream are always available, but a weekly special allows the makers to go crazy with combos like Fruity Pebbles, roasted banana, and Dr Pepper.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Richardson
We imagine it’s tough to work around ice cream day in and day out without always looking for the positive, and you’ll find plenty of silver linings in the freezer case here. Order from the walk-up window or head inside to try one of their all-time favorite handcrafted flavors (banana pudding, coffee toffee, Beltline Berry, vegan chocolate Oreo) by the scoop, pint, ice cream sandwich, or a party-size ice cream cake.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating and counter service.

University Park
They may not make their own ice cream here, but Texas favorite Bluebell somehow tastes better when sandwiched between two freshly baked cookies (coconut chocolate chip, maple pecan, and fudge nut brownie top the lineup). You can also choose from more than a dozen toppings, including Fruit Loops, Oreos, and butter brickle, to be rolled in or sandwiched between two completely different cookies, or, better yet, stuffed into an ice cream taco for a little sweeter-than-usual Tex-Mex fun.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering; order take-out online; or get delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, and GrubHub.

Henry's Homemade Ice Cream
Henry's Homemade Ice Cream

Plano
Even if you’ve never been to his Plano storefront, chances are you’ve had Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream before—that’s because this go-to brand can be found topping the dessert menus of more than 700 local restaurants, hotels, and catering companies. It’s definitely worth a trip to the actual shop, however, where the scoops are massive and the flavors range from plain ol’ vanilla to mind-blowing mixes like Hog Wild (cinnamon ice cream loaded with caramel and, wait for it, bacon). By the cone, cup, sundae, or shake, Henry’s ice cream is bound to leave a smile—and possibly some stray rainbow sprinkles—all over your face.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Howdy Homemade
Howdy Homemade

University Park & North Dallas
Before we even get into the frosty goods, let’s tip our paper soda-jerk hats to this feel-good ice cream joint because they provide employment to people with special needs. With about three dozen (and counting) flavors in their frozen arsenal, Howdy Homemade can scratch your ice cream itch with out-of-this-world options such as Dr Pepper chocolate chip, cold brew, cinnamon roll, avocado, Hot Tamales, and Chocolate As All Get Out. And if you have a special occasion coming up, a custom cake with endless flavor combos is the way to go.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Milk • Cream
Milk • Cream

Lowest Greenville
Their milk-and-cream buns bring all the boys to the yard. And the girls. Everyone, really. A donut-like bun stuffed full of ice cream is their signature offering, available in glazed or plain. Order yours as-is or mix things up by adding toppings like cookies, cereal, and nuts. The simple menu also offers ice cream by the scoop in a cup or waffle cone, with or without toppings—but, who are we kidding, you’re here for the buns.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served counter ordering.

Baldo's Ice Cream
Baldo's Ice Cream

University Park
This elegant shop across from SMU does two things really well (spoiler alert: they’re both in the shop’s name). Ice cream comes in vintage flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and mint chip alongside more inventive additions like honey rose, coffee toffee, and vegan/dairy-free prickly pear. Pair a scoop with a latte, traditional macchiato, or French press and get a double buzz from sugar and caffeine—not a bad way to jumpstart the day. If you’re afraid of commitment, fear not because you can order an ice cream flight that features a taste of all the flavors.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

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Steven Lindsey is a contributor for Thrillist.